Press Release
 
 

 

Internet content rating system launched in Hong Kong

The government and the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association (HKISPA) are joining hands to implement an Internet content rating system to minimise the exposure of young people and children to offensive material on the Internet.

The project uses the rating system developed by the British Internet Content Rating Association. Under the system, webmasters who wish to take part on a voluntary basis will declare their website content, via an online questionnaire, and obtain a content label from the Association.

Internet users need only to download a free label filtering software to allow or deny access to a particular website based on their own preferences.

Speaking at the launch of the project today (June 10), the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Francis Ho, said that on the one hand, the system could protect young people and children from being exposed to offensive material, while on the other it could also ensure that freedom of speech and the free flow of information would not be infringed.

He said the government was very concerned about the impact of pornographic and violent information on young people.

Apart from stepping up enforcement, a variety of educational and promotional activities has been organised, including Ten Healthy Websites Contest, the Cyber Ambassador Award, subsidising a scheme to organise public education and publicity activities in relation to the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance, seminars and exhibitions at schools and the establishment of the Healthy Information Resource Centre.

"We hope these activities can help young people to access healthy information and strengthen their immunity against offensive information," Mr Ho said.

The Chairman of the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers' Association, Mr York Mok, said the rating system emphasised the importance of self-regulation of the Internet industry.

An Internet Safety Hotline is being set up under the project. The hotline will be managed by the Association which will handle enquiries about the project and complaints on offensive material on the Internet.

On receiving public complaints, the association will liaise with the relevant Internet service provider to work out a solution. If the content is found to contravene the law, the Association will refer the complaint to the police and the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) for further investigation.

End/Tuesday, June 10, 2003



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